Donald McDonald Reserve, Beaumaris

Post

Subscribe

Donald McDonald Reserve in Beaumaris is a park with two sections: a dog-friendly sports oval and facilities at one end, and a native bushland area at the other.



The bushland area has several sandy trails that wind through woodland and heathland vegetation. There's lots of native flora to see in this section, particularly in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. Common species include Sandhill Sword-Sedge, Green Sheoak, Comon Correa, Flax-lilies and Austral Stork's-bill. If you look closely, you might even spot native orchids, such as Tiny Greenhood and Sun Orchids.



The local Council manages this section of the reserve to conserve the local flora and to provide habitat for native fauna, particularly birds and skinks. Some areas have been fenced off, where ecological burns have been carried out and the tea-tree and coast wattle have been removed. These areas have the highest quality vegetation and are good spots to look over the fence to spot the heathland wildflowers in springtime.



There are several well-placed seats to sit and relax.



At the other end of the reserve is the oval. Framed by shady eucalypts and patches of the bushland, it's a lovely place to walk the dog or kick a football. There are several spots with dog poo bags if you've forgotten yours. There's also a shady playground for the kids to play.



Access to the park is from any of the surrounding four streets, with numerous entrances for walkers around all four sides. There's a formal car park off Keating Street, where there's also an undercover picnic/BBQ area.



The reserve is named after Donald McDonald, who was a noted naturalist and a journalist with The Argus newspaper.

There is an active Friends group that hold regular working bees and activities in the reserve.



Donald McDonald Reserve is one of several reserves in the Bayside area that protect indigenous heathland and woodland vegetation. These reserves are the last remaining fragments of the iconic 'Sandringham Flora' that once covered the region . Other reserves to explore include Long Hollow Heathland and Balcombe Park , both nearby in Beaumaris, and George Street Reserve and Bay Road Heathland Sanctuary in Sandringham.

#beaumaris
#dog_friendly
#natural_attractions
#nature
#parks
#picnic_spots
#south_east
#walks
%wnmelbourne